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Police open to new leads in Mo. editor's slaying

Published on NewsOK
Modified: November 13, 2013 at 4:22 pm •
Published: November 13, 2013

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In this photo taken Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, Ryan Ferguson hugs his mother Leslie Ferguson during a press conference in Columbia, Mo., after his release from prison. Last week, a state appeals court overturned Ryan's murder and robbery convictions for the 2001 strangling and beating death of Columbia Daily Tribune sports editor Kent Heitholt. The appeals panel said the prosecutor's office had withheld evidence from defense attorneys and Ferguson did not receive a fair trial. (AP Photo/The Columbia Daily Tribune, Nick Schnelle)

Heitholt's widow, Deborah Evangelista, did not respond to a telephone message Wednesday seeking comment about Ferguson's release. In a message to Tribune managing editor Jim Robertson last week, she said it hurt to hear about Ferguson's conviction being overturned. Robertson said Evangelista gave him permission to share the message.

"It is painful. You just want to let go and lead your life," Evangelista said. "I have to keep reminding myself that whatever happens, God is in control and justice will ultimately be served by him."

Ferguson had expressed sympathy Tuesday night for Heitholt's family, saying "they've been lied to" by law enforcement authorities who pursued the case against him.

Ferguson's appeal was handled by Chicago attorney Kathleen Zellner, who specializes in cases in which she believes someone was wrongfully convicted. His quest for freedom was aided by an intense social media campaign.

The Free Ryan Ferguson Facebook page was changed Wednesday to "Freed Ryan Ferguson" and had 82,000 "Likes," including almost 8,000 in the past day. It included a new fundraising appeal to help Ferguson as he begins his life outside prison.